Tips on keeping her going, for the long haul.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Tips on keeping her going, for the long haul.
I finally have the bike I pictured myself with when I was about 9 years old. It started its life off as 2004 FXSTS 88cu, I am the second owner and have one or two more thing to do till it matches the picturein my head. I have alot of fabrication, sheet metal and welding experience but am learning as I go on the mechanic side of the house. She has just over 25000km on her now and I would really appricate an tips or ideas on what fixes I should look into to make sure I have a long life with this bike, it took me 34 years to get it and I dont plan on getting rid of it for at least that long. regular oil changes and the like I got, its the knowledge learned through expensive fixes that can be prevented I would love to hear about. We would both appricate it greatly. Thanks in advance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
It only has about 15,000 miles on it so not much of anything right now. I would have the chain followers (primary and cam) check at around 25,000 or 30,000 miles. Normal maintenance and you should be able to run this one for many years. Ride safe.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
regular maintenance like you've already mentioned.. get the owners manual/service manual, those have schedules and recommended services in it. like Gman said, check the chain tensioners at roughly 30,000 miles (48000km), then probably every 15,000(24000km) miles after that. Keep your neck bearings greased as per the schedule in the owners/service manuals.. every time you change your oil, pull the spark plugs out and give them a look-see for color (black is too much fuel, clean is good, white is too lean).. check for leaks around the bottom of the engine, around the primary, around the cam cover.. she'll last forever with the right care.
none of the above is expensive if you know how to turn a wrench. good luck
none of the above is expensive if you know how to turn a wrench. good luck
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Replace the cam tensioners immediately, they WILL be a problem anytime.. It's not if, rather when, maybe tomorrow...
That's the first step even before custom mods to the looks....
That said, congrats on the bike, that's a fine ride....
That's the first step even before custom mods to the looks....
That said, congrats on the bike, that's a fine ride....
Last edited by Gigawitz; Jan 4, 2013 at 07:02 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
First off, purchase both the Harley Service, and Parts Manuals!!! Cam Chain Tensioners are a must service issue!!! You have a few options here. Original replacements or Up-Grade to Hydraulic tensioners. If you're interested, shoot me a mail at olongapo2@gmail. I can provide you with a lengthy explanation with photos.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
No sense in going over everything that everyone has already said but I will forward this little tip on to you. I am a fanatic when it comes to this but I believe it to be true regardless. A clean bike is a good running bike. Crap, dirt, oil, grease all over the motor, tranny and so on only holds heat. Heat is your enemy. Having said that, get an oil cooler NOW too! I will catch flack for that comment or my belief in what an oil cooler does for your bike but again, heat is your enemy. A cool running bike, or cooler than most is a better running bike and it add's life to the motor, I don't care what anyone says. It was one of the very 1st things I did to my bike when I got it. I am alway way cooler when riding then my buddies bikes who have no cooler and no one can tell me that that isn't a good thing! Now, how about some pictures Dude, welcome and Congrats too!!
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Thanks for the ideas, oil cooler ( had looked but did not pull the pin) and cam tensioners (never thought of it at all) and as far as pics when ever the site and my slow connection allows it they will be up,,,thanks again.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: kingston ontario
congrats on seeing your dream come true!
welcome to the forum, it is good to see more canadians here. what part of ontario are you in? (im in the middle of nowhere sorta near napanee/kingston area)
i will second what everyone else already said.
the fact you are here asking is a good start.
there are always some issues that seem specific or more common to certain years and models (like the aforementioned tensioners) so learning what they are and keeping an eye on them is worth the effort.
if it is efi i would recommend a good tuner like tts mastertune or powervision
welcome to the forum, it is good to see more canadians here. what part of ontario are you in? (im in the middle of nowhere sorta near napanee/kingston area)
i will second what everyone else already said.
the fact you are here asking is a good start.
there are always some issues that seem specific or more common to certain years and models (like the aforementioned tensioners) so learning what they are and keeping an eye on them is worth the effort.
if it is efi i would recommend a good tuner like tts mastertune or powervision